WhatsApp for iPad works pretty much the same as any other messenger optimized for large screens. You get a list of your chats on the left and the current chat on the right. It also supports most of the platform's features, including audio and video calls, statuses, communities, and more.
Curiously, nothing in the release notes for today's WhatsApp update in the App Store mentions iPad support, but the app is now fully operational on Apple's tablets. It also supports platform-specific features, such as Stage Manager, Split View, or picture-in-picture. You can also share your screen with others, use front and rear-facing cameras, and more.
A few years ago, WhatsApp acknowledged that iPad support had been a long-requested feature among users. While it is not clear what took WhatsApp so long to address the long-requested feature, it is good to see the company finally delivering a native iPad app, eliminating the need to use the less convenient web interface. Better late than never.